News >> Industry News

Future of electro-mobility: what are the areas of interest?

The electric vehicle market has been growing over the last year: with electric and plug in hybrid car sales up an incredible 77% in the first half of 2014 in Europe and 60% in the United States. This growth has planted seeds of interest in the heads of many car manufacturers, and it seems that the flowers are now beginning to blossom and the market is developing into a beautiful and vibrant bouquet instead of a few hand-picked roses.

The number of electric cars is not only increasing in number but also in variety, no longer are the same shades visible at local charging stations. Innovations and projects regarding electro-mobility are proliferating fast, so fast that it can sometimes be hard to keep track. But there are some key projects, emerging trends and potential technologies that are fuelling the imaginations of car manufacturers and the buying public.

Wireless charging could be the jolt that the electric vehicles industry needs

With plans in the UK to have every vehicle produced by 2040 with ultra low emissions, there is extensive research going into what could be the technology that makes this a reality, and it is suggested that this could be “wireless charging”. A recent report by the Urban Foresight research group noted the importance of wireless charging. They explain that wireless charging - which is already operational in Gumi, South Korea – is created by placing electric plates beneath the surface that create magnetic fields which are then picked up by electric vehicles and converted into electricity. Of course, more research is needed as to whether this could be a ubiquitous innovation, but it certainly bodes well for the future of electric vehicles.

Elsewhere, recent news that BMW have created a mechanism to allow streetlamps to charge electric vehicles is also capturing the imaginations of the public and looks to be another potential solution for the future, which has not quite adjusted its infrastructure to electro-mobility. But with new and innovative charging solutions being realised, we are having to re-frame the infrastructure debate over electric vehicles past the notion of charging stations.

News kids on the grid: which manufacturers are eyeing up the electric car market?

As clear pockets of interest are opening up all over the world with regards to electric vehicles, be it from charging solutions to increased demand, it makes senses that new models are expected on the market. For instance, it is rumoured that Audi is planning to create a battery fuelled family car to rival Tesla in 2017. While this is not confirmed, there are plenty of other new vehicles either planned or released that could get many drivers interested.

The Kia Soul is the first electric vehicle released by Kia available since November 2014. With an accompanying ad-campaign, which highlights the vast difference of running costs, it is hoped that it may be a significant player in the electric vehicles market. However, perhaps the most anticipated car lies in the luxury car range and of course, with Tesla. The Tesla model D has long been in development and created an almost mythical status. But now concrete details over the car have been released and look set to make the Tesla Model D the superior to the Tesla Model S, which is saying something.

Electric vehicle market in Peach State sweetens

It is estimated that by the end of this year, the state of Georgia will possess somewhere between 18,000 and 20,000 all-electric vehicles. This number hints at the growing acceptance of electric vehicles by more than just die-hard enthusiasts within Georgia, but also the United States. Don Francis, the executive director of Clean Cities Georgia, had this to say about the growth of alternative-fuel vehicles within Georgia: “The customer is beginning to see the financial benefits of the vehicle.” Don Francis went on to say that: “It’s very inexpensive to operate. In addition to that, they’re finding out that it’s a very fun car to drive.” The incentive system that Georgia offers is a $5,000 tax credit for electric cars. This alongside the potential savings on fuel expenditure means that some consumers have found the monthly cost of the lease for say, a Nissan Leaf, comes out to zero.

Comments

No comments yet

To ensure the quality of the comments we receive, you need to be a member to post a comment. Not a member yet? Register now!